Dear parents and friends,

Last Thursday evening, many of our staff and our school captains attended the Diocesean Education Mass. This Mass, which is usually held annually, although has not been held since 2020, is a very special opportunity for all 38 schools in the Diocese of Wollongong and CEDoW staff to celebrate everything that is special about quality Catholic education in the Diocrese of Wollongong. During this mass, I was commissioned to be Principal, by Bishop Brian Mascord. This was a real honour made even more special by the attendance and support of our school captains, Mia and Joseph and their families. I believe that being a Principal really is the best job in the world and I am so grateful to the Holy Cross Community for their support of me in my role. 

Lent - A Time To Be Joyful

As we come into the third week of Lent, our students have been thinking about the purpose of Lent in our Church’s year. They have been learning that Lent is a time for reflection and action and at the same time it is also a time of joy. Living the Christian life is one of joy, as we strengthen our relationship with God, others and our world. As Pope Francis reminds us, Christians have good reason to be joyful and should let it shine in their faces rather than sport sad, pessimistic looks. 

I would like to thank Year 5 students Isabel G, Indiana, Grace, Evelyn T, Hannah and Mikaela who took it upon themselves to host a bake sale in Helensburgh on weekend raising $264 for Project Compassion! This is truly an example of reflection, action and joy. 

2023 ANNUAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Update

Goal 1  By the end of 2023, all students will have deepened their knowledge and understanding of our school’s Catholic values through their increased engagement in scripture and prayer life so that they actively live their faith and live life to the full.

• • All classrooms display the four Catholic values; Compassion, Hope, Justice and Integrity

Goal 2  By the end of 2023, all students will achieve learning growth and increased confidence and engagement in Mathematics.

• • Students in Kindergarten-Year 6 completed a school-wide place value assessment. A Collaborative Planning day was held where teachers collaboratively analysed the assessments and identified the next steps in learning for each student. 

• • Our Instructional Coach, Mrs N Baker, Middle Leader, Mr Body and Knowledgeable Other, Mrs McEntee will become our Expert Teaching Team in Numeracy and as such attended two days of professional learning focusing on evidence-based instructional strategies in Mathematics

Thank you for your support,

Kaylene Duffin